"If the book we are reading does not wake us, as with a fist hammering on our skulls, then why do we read it? Good God, we also would be happy if we had no books and such books that make us happy we could, if need be, write ourselves. What we must have are those books that come on us like ill fortune, like the death of one we love better than ourselves, like suicide. A book must be an ice axe to break the sea frozen inside us."

Unattended Children Policy

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The Wellington Public Library serves all residents of the community. The library encourages visits by children and it is our desire to make these visits both memorable and enjoyable for each child. Children of all ages are encouraged to use the library for homework, recreational reading and program attendance.

The library staff does not provide care or supervision of children in the library except to the extent needed to uphold the library rules of conduct and use and does not accept responsibility for such care.

Parents or guardians are responsible for the appropriate behavior of their children in the library.

Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent, guardian or other responsible caregiver.

Children age 8 or older may be in the library unattended for a reasonable period of time if checking out books, doing research or homework or are otherwise legitimately engaged in library activities. Library appropriate behavior is expected.

Children of any age with mental, physical, or emotional problems which render supervision necessary shall be accompanied by a caregiver at all times.

When the safety of an unattended child is in doubt or if the library is closing and a parent, guardian or other caregiver cannot be located, library staff is authorized to call the sheriff and stay with the child until the sheriff arrives. Under no circumstance will staff take young people home.

Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension of library privileges.